Come together in joy, connection, and spirit.
Are you wishing for more meaningful time with your children—time that feels less hurried and more heart-centered? Do you want to raise your family in a setting that reflects your spiritual values and brings more joy into everyday life? This retreat is created for conscious parents who want to:
July 22 – 26
At The Expanding Light Retreat
5-Day Retreat
All Meals Included
Twice Daily Yoga and Meditation
FREE book!
What Awaits You During This Retreat:
Inspire Your Children with Spiritual Values
Each day opens with joyful family circles filled with music, yoga postures, storytelling, and playful meditation. Children are invited to grow through art, games, and adventures that awaken their natural joy and wisdom.
Find Your Own Recharge as a Parent
Parents will take part in uplifting, wisdom-based classes grounded in Education for Life, a philosophy that supports both parent and child on every level. Morning and evening sadhanas offer sacred time to return to inner peace, while loving childcare is provided.
Create Lasting Memories in Nature
Enjoy the beauty of Ananda Village through Sharing Nature activities, scenic walks, and cooperative games. From forest trails to peaceful meadows, nature becomes a setting for bonding and joy.
Be Nourished in Body and Spirit
Savor fresh, organic vegetarian meals prepared with care, including child-friendly options and fun snacks. Shared meals become moments of gratitude and togetherness.
Feel Supported in a Conscious Community
With space for only 10 families, this intimate retreat allows for real connection. Share stories, laughter, and spiritual inspiration with like-minded families in a welcoming, heart-centered environment.
What’s Included in Your Stay
Prices and Accommodations
Standard | Deluxe | Cabin | Camp/RV
Serenity House is an inn-style house with twelve rooms and four shared hallway bathrooms. Most rooms have two twin beds, with queen or converted king options available in limited supply and by special request. Each room includes a bedside table, wardrobe, and mini split heating/cooling unit. Guests also have access to a centrally located lounge with a television, video player, and library of inspirational videos and books, plus a small kitchenette with tea and a refrigerator for personal items.
Standard Private (Adult) — $740
Standard Private (Youth: ages 13-18) — $496
Standard Private (Child: Ages 4-12) — $372
Harmony House rooms include a private entrance, private bathroom, desk, mini split heating/cooling unit, ceiling fan, and hairdryer. The rooms reflect Yogananda’s expansive approach to religion and the celebration of God through beauty, with each room simply and elegantly decorated in the theme of one of the great world religions.
Ensuite Private (Adult) — $900
Ensuite Private (Youth: ages 13-18) — $592
Ensuite Private (Child: ages 4-12) — $436
Cabins offer one larger, more private room than the standard accommodations. Cabin guests share separate men’s and women’s shower houses about a minute’s walk away, and all cabins have A/C.
Private Cabin (Adult) — $720
Private Cabin (Youth: ages 13-18) — $484
Private Cabin (Child: ages 4-12) — $364
Tent camping is available at varied campsites, and RVs are welcome year-round, though there are no RV facilities or hookups. Meals are included for tenters and RVers. Because of wild animals, food is not allowed in the tenting area, and tent spaces do not include cooking or picnic facilities. Guests may use the refrigerator on the outside deck behind the kitchen. Tenters should bring their own gear. Please note: this is fire country, so no campfires, candles, kerosene lamps, or any open flame are allowed.
Tent/RV (Adult) — $592
Tent/RV (Youth: ages 13-18) — $397
Tent/RV (Child: ages 4-12) — $299
Extend Your Stay, Deepen Your Peace
Arrive early or stay longer with a flexible Personal Retreat stay and enjoy unhurried time for yoga, meditation, and nature’s beauty at your own pace. Extra nights can be added during registration.
FAQs
Do I need prior experience with yoga or meditation?
Not at all. This retreat welcomes all levels, including beginners.
What is included in my retreat price?
Prices are per person and include three vegetarian meals per day, tea, coffee, fruit throughout the day, twice daily yoga and meditation sessions, classes and activities, and lodging based on your selection.
What is not included in my retreat price?
Airport transport, additional healing services such as massage or spiritual counseling, and extra snacks available in the community market.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 3 pm to 5 pm, and check-out is at 11 am.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
The kitchen offers thoughtfully prepared vegetarian meals and can accommodate some dietary needs, including non-dairy, non-wheat, and egg-free options. More specific or medically complex requirements cannot be accommodated.
What do I need to bring with me?
The atmosphere is casual. Layers are recommended, along with comfortable loose-fitting clothing for yoga and meditation, slip-on shoes, walking shoes, and, in summer, a bathing suit if you’d like to visit the Yuba River. Towels and unscented all-purpose liquid soap are provided.
Rooted in timeless teachings, open to all
Everything shared here is inspired by the universal spiritual principles of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda. Their practical wisdom supports a life of greater peace, joy, and clarity, and the practices of yoga, meditation, and simple living in harmony with higher truths are open to everyone.
Your Guides for the Weekend
Gayatri Kretzmann
Born in Maryland, Gayatri moved to Ananda in 2017 and has served as a yoga and meditation instructor, high school science teacher, and retreat center cook. As a new mother, she enjoys connecting with other parents and supporting spiritual family life.
Irene Schulman
Irene has extensive experience in educating children through the Ananda system of Education for Life. She currently works for Education for Life International, mentoring teachers and supporting schools. Her creativity, warmth, and humor make her a beloved retreat leader for children and adults alike.
What Past Guests Have Shared
Families have described the experience as loving, joyful, peaceful, and beautifully organized, with many appreciating the kindness of the teachers, the music, the parent classes, and the opportunity to attend together as a family.
The Seclusion Retreat
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Wed, Jul 22